Simply Irresistible

The faces on the following pages represent months of our collecting nominations and suggestions about who should make this annual list of the most intoxicating personalities—and faces—in town. From the overthe top, talented and famous to those individuals who make the community a better place, these people represent the energy of all that’s happening in Nashville right now. Get to know Music City’s MBP’s, 2009.

Holly Williams, 28-Singer/Songwriter (and daughter of Hank Jr.)

With the recent release of a highly anticipated album and a new marriage, Holly Williams is definitely having a very good year. It seemed only appropriate that the girl who graced our first “Most Beautiful People” cover grace it again as a woman coming into her own.
We’ve always loved her spirit and sense of fashion, which she puts to good use for friends and local fashionistas through the lines that she carries at her boutique, H.Audrey. A family girl at heart, Holly cites her mother as the most amazing and beautiful person in her life and also brags on her triumphant sister.
As a new wife, she’s looking forward to really enjoying her favorite hobby—cooking—in her Belmont loft. The loft is not only home, but also where you may find her nursing a slew of animals she’s rescued. Independently, she travels across the state gathering animals that need homes, only to bring them back to hers before convincing people to take them on as pets. This is a passion for Holly, and one that she takes seriously and works at continually.
She finds her heroes in simple places, like the nursing home where she visits her grandmother and other elders—whom, she states, are too often ignored, in spite of the fact that they have so much wisdom to offer.
To keep herself looking good, Holly relies on a few grooming products from Private Edition, but mostly swears by the $3 Vitamin E Cream that she buys at Dollar General on Eighth Avenue South. “I obsessed with it, and saving here makes me feel better about splurging on expensive boots!”
When not recording songs, buying for her store or saving sweet puppies, Holly loves to spend time with her friends at many of the local hot spots. You might see her enjoying the cocktails at Patterson House, having a Bloody Mary at Red Bar or, on an outrageous night, singing karaoke to Stevie Wonder songs at Lipstick Lounge. She’s also a regular at Radnor Lake, where you’ll find her with dogs (and now hubby) in tow.
Who would she nominate for this list? Her sister Hilary, who’s still so wonderful and strong after 26 surgeries following their horrific automobile accident. We agree, and you’ll find Hilary’s picture on these pages as well.

Luke Bryan 32—MusicianWell known around town for his laid back attitude and incredible voice, this rising country artist has quickly become a local favorite while also earning national acclaim. The release of his new album, Doin’ My Thing, has proven to be as successful as he had hoped with the hit song “DO I” already climbing the charts. When it comes to music, Bryan explains his primary goal in life is to still be performing and enjoying it in 20 years—he loves it that much.

Other passions include spending time with his family first (he became a father last year) with his hobby of fishing coming in second. When on the road or at home, he claims fishing and kayaking help him stay in shape and in touch with the outdoors—and the absolute best place in Nashville isn’t a restaurant or bar, but Percy Priest Lake.

Luke names confidence as the trait he finds most attractive in others, and has no shortage of it for himself. He explains that while his shows have gotten bigger and better, his performances have changed. While he used to run around dancing and doing back flips, now he lets the “music do the talking,” and apparently people are listening. They keep coming back for more—likely because this natural born entertainer has fun with his band and the crowd no matter what.

Luke’s musical heroes are Alan Jackson, Conway Twitty and George Strait. In his own life and career, he feels that it’s just as important to give back when off the stage, which is why he’s aligned himself with St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, among others. Anytime he gets the chance to help a cause, he immediately responds, which makes the audiences like him even more.

For grooming, Luke’s pretty low maintenance, with a toothbrush being the only real thing he can’t do without. The only thing he really wants to change is a small “beergut.” (It just won’t seem to go away, he says—wonder why?) In his opinion, the key to looking good is “happiness and staying busy,” neither of which are a problem for Luke. Even though there are a number of up-and-coming performers, his distinct style, both in personality and musically, set him apart. His sound is unique and familiar at the same time, and his skills as a songwriter and artist only seem to get better, which is evident with this new release. This is likely why he’s quickly developed such a strong presence and a loyal fan base. We definitely see the appeal!

Who would Luke like to nominate for this list? “My wife, Caroline—because she’s hot!”

Steve Sullivan, 35—Left Wing, Nashville PredatorsYou may not realize that Steve Sullivan’s first language is French (he’s completely bilingual), but you’ve definitely taken note of him on the ice when he’s playing, since he’s nothing short of amazing. And regardless of hockey’s reputation for violence, Sullivan has kept his effortless good looks. Of course, a life on the ice also makes it possible to keep in great shape, just by going to work. While he thinks his wife Kristen probably ought to have been on this list, we can’t deny he belongs here. In his free time, Sullivan loves to play golf, and secretly yearns to play a round or two at Augusta National. Here in town, he supports local charities through the Nashville Predators Foundation. And when he’s got down time, you might catch Steve and Kristen dining at The Acorn, one of the couple’s favorite spots.

Hilary Williams, 30—Singer/SongwriterWhen you’re third generation country music royalty, the world will always see you differently, but it’s what’s inside that counts to Hilary. Her definition of being beautiful means “on the inside and out, with a beautiful soul and spirit.” The lovely Hilary’s been a Type 1 diabetic for 22 years and she’s recovering from a serious car accident, but she understands that maintaining a positive outlook is everything—combined with eating healthy, juicing, vitamins and exercise, plus work with a personal trainer, it keeps her looking great. There’s no question she’s an inspiration as well as a beauty.

Chelsea Bush, 22—Contestant on ABC’s reality show True Beauty, and aspiring singer and modelChelsea Bush says her secret to looking good is “lots of laughter! And not taking myself too seriously.” She loves to dance, too, and spends plenty of time at Mai, doing just that, or going to The Stage to enjoy live music. In spite of the girly image a show like True Beauty might engender, she’s also “more of a tomboy than others might think.” Her notion of a hero isn’t the singer or model of the week but, rather, her grandfather: “He led by example and showed me that no matter who you are or where you come from, we are all the same.”

Cassie McConnell Kelley, 26—PublicistGiven a chance, Cassie would have added her husband—Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum—to this list, but we think she belongs here too. Cassie admits to a love of travel and dreams of romantic voyages to Tuscany with her talented husband, but she’s also totally at home in Nashville, with her large extended family around her. Charity-minded Cassie is a big supporter of the Oasis Center— “I’ve never known a Nashville without Oasis; it’s helped children and teens for 40 years.” Her secret to looking good? Wearing the gorgeous clothes she gets from her mother’s store, Haven, in Franklin.

Jennifer Vickery Smith, 30-something—TV Reporter“A smile on my face and a pair of heels—even my flip-flops are wedges,” Jennifer responds when asked about her secrets to looking good. The stunning freelance television host, who you’ve seen everywhere from GAC to the Gospel Music Channel, is also devoted to her boys: husband Marty and sons Cooper (11) and Conner (9), and a golden retriever, Charlie. When not in front of the camera, Jennifer is all about listening to live music and loves a good songwriter’s night at places like Puckett’s or Henpeck Market. Shopping favorites include Philanthropy in Franklin, where it’s “feel-good shopping,” as they give a percentage to charity. Lipgloss is a must have: “You may run into me at the grocery store without a stitch of makeup, but chances are my lips will be sparkly.”

Sandra Lipman, (50 something)—Community VolunteerYou might not know that Sandra is a good shot ... but you have to know she sets an example when it comes to philanthropy and giving back to the Nashville community. Her favorite spots in the city are some of the many that she so diligently supports, including Warner Parks, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the Frist Center and Cheekwood (which, incidentally, are also some of the city’s most beautiful places). Asked who she’d select for a beautiful people list, she answers: “All my beautiful girlfriends—they have both the brains and the charisma to accomplish anything.” We’re not surprised, because so does Lipman herself.

Libby Sheer, 37—Co-owner (with husband Jason) of The Tin Roof“My kids are the most beautiful creatures in the world—so’s my husband,” says Libby of Jason, Coby (8), Jack (7) and daughter Hudson (4). Few know that Sheer had a gospel music career as a teenager, and still counts great songwriters like Patty Griffin, Amos Lee and Ryan Adams among her personal heroes. The music-lover keeps herself looking good with green tea each morning, Pure Barre, yoga and laughing with Chelsea Lately each night. Last year, her son’s teacher taught her to knit, and she’s been obsessed ever since—it’s her hobby, along with tennis, reading and “music, music, music.” Among her ambitions? “I’ve always wanted to work in an orphanage in Ethiopia.”

Kristen Motil, 25—Miss Tennessee USA and aspiring model“Everyone assumes I’ve been in pageants all my life, but really, Miss Tennessee was my first, and I won. Yay!” says Kristen. Like so many of our beautiful people, Kristen loves hanging out at the fabulous Patterson House—“‘Speak Easy’ comes to mind when I think of it,” she says. Away from the stage, Kristen admits to loving baking, “especially gourmet cupcakes and making cookies from scratch,” she says. Looking good is important for a beauty queen. “I love Philosophy skin care products; they’re the best,” she says. She adds getting enough sleep, eating right (most of the time) and being happy to that list, along with trainer Josh Rogers, who helped her get ready for the swimsuit competition.

Lisa Gregory, 42—Stay-At-Home MomIt takes a lot to be a mom. As Lisa says, it means being a full-time chauffeur, counselor, personal shopper and school fundraiser, among other things. That’s not to say that Lisa’s family doesn’t appreciate her—far from it. Asked her secret to looking good, she responds, “Trying to keep up with my kids keeps me busy and happy.” And we all know happiness is the key to looking good. She names her husband Steve as her hero—he’s a pilot, but we suspect it’s because he’s also a pretty great partner for raising kids Lauren, Macy and Grayson. “Beauty,” according to Lisa, “comes from within.” But she’ll still find time to walk, run, lift some weights and take care of herself. She’s also a fan of meals at Giovanni Ristorante Bar, and when she gets the chance, a bit of scuba diving, hiking and traveling.

Susan Puckett Deaton, 47—Writer, Business Manager and Volunteer“I’ve written a sitcom and am working on three other scripts. I have a secret make-believe life where I’m a fabulous writer,” says Susan, when asked what people may not know about her. She’s renowned for her tireless commitment to The Shalom Foundation, a local humanitarian relief organization helping solve the pressing problem of homeless children in Nashville, as well as providing vital assistance to needy kids in Guatemala City. “When you give yourself away for a greater cause, it will change your life,” she says. When she has time to herself, she admits that she hides and reads. Her secret for looking great? I learned a long time ago that if you enter a room smiling, nothing else matters.”

Jimmy Wayne, 36—Valory Music Co. Recording ArtistAsk Jimmy what he’d like to accomplish in life, and he has no small ambition—based on his own life experience, he’d like to build an orphanage in North Carolina to support older kids who have maxed out of the system and “aren’t the cute little pups everyone wants to adopt.” A former foster child, he truly values his foster parents from the age of 16, Beatrice and Russell Costner. Aside from his musical success, he loves photography (check out pics at twitter.com/jimmywayne) and riding his bike. How does he maintain his great look? “I don’t think about it. I just eat right and drink a lot of water because it makes me feel good.” Asked what trait he admires least in others, his answer is simple: “greed.”

Nick Paranjape, 39—Anchor/Reporter, WZTV Fox 17When he’s not wowing us with his on-the-air talents, Nick loves playing tennis, golf, racquetball or a good pickup game of basketball. Perhaps that’s why he says his secret to looking good is taking a shower and his favorite grooming product is a hairbrush. The Indian-born anchor is proud to say he’s still fluent in the Indian Marathi language of his parents, though he was largely raised in the U.S., and he’d love to take his wife Lori and kids back to India for a visit. A sports fan, he’s all about a Titans game. Nick loves living in Nashville. “I have to say my favorite spot is my backyard. Sitting on the patio, enjoying the breeze with family and friends is where you’ll find me nearly every weekend.”

Rob Pittman, 36—Prosthetist“Beauty is my wife and girls. Beauty is true love,” says Rob. “I’m blessed to have such a beautiful family, not only for their outward beauty, but for their hearts and spirits.” He’s a guy who’s always been confident about who he is and how he looks, and hopes to share that attitude with others. His non-profit Limbs Across America gives prosthetic devices to those who can’t afford them, helping them regain their lives and their own confidence. “I hope to create something that helps others long after I’m gone,” he says. “That may be a business, a foundation or a person who’s led to do great things.” Rob tells us he isn’t “in shape” at all. “My wife made me run the half marathon this year. She beat me.”

Brandon Otts, 28—Middle School P.E. Teacher and CoachBrandon loves to cook and play the piano, as well as pursue his obvious athletic interests. For fun, he also plays competitive beach volleyball and tennis, so he’s serious about keeping fit. “My goal is to be as healthy as possible, and along with that, you’ll be physically fit,” he adds. He loves the diverse culture in Nashville, and when he has some time to let go and relax, you might just find him at RuSan’s. An honest guy, Brandon admits he depends on Tend Skin products to keep himself looking his best. His future plans include a little travel, with Europe and Dubai being the preferred locations. Asked if he’d change anything about his own appearance, he says “Well, I’ve always wanted green eyes ...”

Travis Stork, 37—Physician and Host of The Doctors talk show Most of us probably recognize Dr. Travis Stork from his appearance on the reality show The Bachelor, but those days are behind him as he focuses on his own career as doctor and talk show host. He says he doesn’t necessarily think of himself as “looking good,” but “I do try to practice what I preach and live a healthy life.” Travis keeps in shape by biking, hiking with his dog Nala, and going to the Y—“I do things that are fun,” he says, and adds mountain biking and whitewater kayaking to the list of absolute favorite workouts, though he considers them “active meditation.” Asked about beauty, he defines it with the Rocky Mountains in his home state, Colorado.

Jason Ritchason, 36—Director of Sales for American Paper & Twine Co.Jason says he’d like to include his dog Lilly Mae on our “Most Beautiful” list, because she’s happy, never judges anyone and loves everyone she’s ever met—and that tells us he’s more than just a dog lover. The driven businessman also happens to speak decent conversational French, and he won a junior Olympic bronze medal at 12. “My heroes are the underdogs, the sleepers, the rebels with a cause and anyone who’s ever made a difference in someone’s life,” says Jason. These days, to keep himself in great shape, he does sprint triathlons, wakeboards, golfs, fishes and quail hunts with the aforementioned Lilly Mae. “Every now and then, I’ll hit the gym, if the weather is bad.”

Fletcher Foster, 45—Senior V.P. and General Manager, Universal Records South“I don’t work out like I should, or used to,” admits Fletcher, before telling us he really enjoys swimming, yoga and some cardio. If he has any real secrets to looking good, they’re “nothing fancy—just the basics. Things you learned growing up, like brushing your teeth and washing your face.” Crew products answer his general grooming needs. Fletcher spends plenty of time dedicated to the community, on the board of Second Harvest Food Bank, and through Gilda’s Club, The Recording Academy (Grammy’s) and as a past president of Make A Wish. Fun in Nashville probably involves time at Arrington Vineyards, Margot, or at Bluebird on the Mountain at the Dyer Observatory. Out of the area, travel means the exotic—Bali, India, Thailand, with hopes for the Maldives and Fiji this year.

Barbara Orbison, (Ageless)—Entrepreneur“To me, beauty is seeing a person that takes your breath away,” says Barbara. Widow of the legendary Roy Orbison and guardian of his legacy, it’s no surprise she names the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman, the Bluebird Cafe and RCA Studio B as her favorite places in town, besides her own home. She’s started a new company dedicated to helping women live healthy, beautiful lives (its first product being Pretty Woman perfume). Barbara’s heroes, she says, include her mother and grandmother, as well as husband Roy, Johnny and June Carter Cash, Al Gore, Rosa Parks and all the kids at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Barbara stays fit doing pilates at Willow Pilates Studio and hiking with her son, Roy, Jr., at Radnor Lake. She shops at Jamie and gets facials and cosmetics at Private Edition to keep her looking this wonderful.

Damien Horne, 31—Singer/Songwriter“I like movies,” says Damien. “I’m a comedic fan first, but it doesn’t matter—I look at it as my escape for two hours when I can give my mind and schedule a break.” The talented performer knows how to get away, even if his schedule doesn’t allow him mush time for it. Keeping himself looking great is a matter of working out—“I try to work out every day, but when I can’t, I either play basketball or football. I try to watch what I eat. What I do for a living is an incentive, but I’d do it anyway. Healthy living keeps the stress down.” He also credits hair braiders Taryn Wilburn and ReRe for keeping his hair at its best. A gentle spirituality and a determination to make the community a better place however he can—“I just kind of wake up and ask God to lead me where he wants me to serve”—are attributes that keep him grounded and focused.

Kerry Collins, 36—Quarterback, Tennessee TitansOne of Music City’s heroes for his tremendous efforts on the field, Kerry is pretty laid back and would rather nominate his wife for this list than himself. “Shaving, that’s about it,” sums up his secrets to looking good, along with the fact that “my job allows me to keep in shape. I’m pretty low maintenance; it doesn’t take a lot of product to be me.” There’s no question, of course, that Kerry is comfortable in his own skin, and he’s long since accepted there are things he can’t change. What you might not know is that Kerry’s also pursuing a country songwriting career, and someday hopes to pen a chart-topping single. He and his wife also treasure the time they spend together at their North Carolina cattle farm. Outside the rough-and-tumble world of pro football, Kerry’s also committed to the kids he works with through the YMCA’s Y-CAP program. His own icon? “John Elway, for the hero he was.”

Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George, 38—Entertainer, Author and Mom“My definition of beauty is simplicity. I love a good pair of comfortable jeans, a clean T-shirt, cute shoes and just enough make-up to make you look like you care,” says this gorgeous George. It’s not surprising the wife of star athlete and broadcaster Eddie George keeps fit—Taj tries to make time for the gym five days a week. She demonstrated her physical strength and her effortless beauty and grace on Survivor last season, making hers a household name. The bug bites from the wild left her committed to taking care of her skin, but she says the grooming products she can’t live without are her toothbrush and toothpaste. And she loves Music City: “After growing up in NYC, I can appreciate the calm beauty and family-oriented nature of Nashville. I absolutely love raising my son here.”

Leah Bentley, 38—Realtor and Owner of Snap Tweens & Toddler The fabulous looking Leah admits she’d choose dessert over a meal. “Some of my favorite treats include the coconut cake at Firefly, cupcakes from the Picnic Cafe and Cosmetic Market and chocolate cake from Zoës,” she says. Looking good for Leah is a matter of getting a good night’s sleep, being active each day and finding the right places for a little quick and simple self-maintenance. Her go-to hair product is Moroccan oil for hair, found at the Cosmetic Market. She’s got a favorite spot in Percy Warner Park in a hidden meadow that she reserves for private dates with her husband Eric and daughter Olivia, or time with best girlfriends. “What better spot in a city than an open-air, colorful area with no boundaries, no walls, no ceilings, no traffic or noise?”

Lisa Linde Marsden, 37—MomLike many in the Nashville community, Lisa Linde Marsden is a big fan of Lime for getting out and about, and can’t wait for the new Whiskey Kitchen to open. We know she’s got great taste, ‘cause we can’t either. The gorgeous wife of equally dishy actor James Marsden devotes herself to raising their two children, Jack and Mary. She keeps her great looks with the help of lots of sleep—“At least eight hours”—a bit of running and yoga, and a little aid from the classic Pond’s Cold Cream. She calls herself a “bit of a happy loner” and admits she likes to hang out in bookstores by herself—but hey, brains and beauty are a knockout combination. Right now, she’s enjoying the season, since she loves fall in Nashville, even the thunderstorms, but she says, “My husband and I are going to travel all over Europe when the kids go to college.” We like that plan.

For even more on our Most Beautiful People, pick up a copy of the October issue of Nashville Lifestyles or subscribe HERE!